Season 13 ‘American Idol’ Judges Revealed

Finally, what every 'American Idol' fan has been waiting for ... the judging panel for Season 13 has finally been revealed.

After last season's judges' bench was rumored to be totally revamped, everyone's been wondering who will be sitting at the infamous table this time around. Country fans were relieved to find out that country star Keith Urban would be returning for a second season, but it left a big question unanswered: Who would the other judges be?

Turns out Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey really did get the boot -- they were replaced with former judge Jennifer Lopez, who left after Season 11, as well as musical genius Harry Connick, Jr. It seems that after the success of runner-up Kree Harrison, Connick (who mentored the young songstress) made a big impression -- big enough to be promoted to the judging table.

The lovable Randy Jackson is also returning to 'Idol', but not as a judge. He will be the in-house mentor for the contestants. Although one of the new judges will not be the Band Perry's frontwoman Kimberly Perry, as country fans had hoped, it does sound like a pretty fantastic panel.

Urban is excited about the change-up, saying, ”I think this season of 'Idol' is gonna be a blast. New team, new energy and a whole new field of artists to be discovered and given a chance!”

He isn't the only one pumped about Season 13. "I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the 'American Idol' XIII family," longtime host Ryan Seacrest relates. "Our new producers, judging panel and mentor are all fired up for this season. I've already witnessed some amazingly talented contestants from around the country during our early auditions, cementing my belief that a new superstar is well within our sights."

With a fantastic and charismatic judging panel and a pool of super talented singers, this year's season of 'Idol' is certainly poised for success. And thankfully, we don't foresee as much drama happening this time around. Now that's something to sing about!